proceed
proceed — verb
1. for an event, process, or planned action to start or keep happening according to
for an event, process, or planned action to start or keep happening according to the original arrangement, especially once any interruption has passed or when all conditions are ready.
The construction crew proceeded with the project after the city approved the building permits.
proceed with + noun phrase (project / plan / task)
Despite the heavy rain, the outdoor music festival proceeded exactly as planned.
The board meeting will proceed even if a few board members cannot attend on time.
proceed with no direct object
Nala checked every piece of equipment before proceeding with the chemistry experiment.
before proceeding with [activity]
After the power came back on, the factory workers proceeded with their regular duties.
- proceed with a plan / project / investigation / construction / work
- proceed as planned / scheduled / expected
- proceed carefully / cautiously / slowly
Grammar Patterns
proceed + with + noun phrase
Usage Note
Often followed by with + a noun phrase that names the activity or plan. This sense is common in formal announcements, business meetings, and project-management contexts. The subject is usually an event, a group, or a person carrying out a planned task.
Common Mistakes
2. to begin the next action in an ordered sequence after the previous one is comple
to begin the next action in an ordered sequence after the previous one is complete, especially when the following step follows logically or chronologically.
After reading the instruction manual, Karim proceeded to set up the new computer.
proceed to + infinitive: do the next step
The chef first prepared the sauce and then proceeded to chop the stir-fry vegetables.
Dylan passed the written exam and proceeded to take the driving test the same week.
proceed to + infinitive after completion
Having finished the introduction, the speaker proceeded to outline the three main arguments.
- proceed to explain / describe / discuss / examine / outline
- then proceed to
- having finished / completed ... proceed to
- go on to
less formal; 'go on to explain' vs 'proceed to explain'
- then do
not a single word; requires a conjunction or adverb
- move on to
informal; suggests changing topic or stage
Grammar Patterns
proceed + to-infinitive
Usage Note
Always followed by to + the bare infinitive. The clause before proceed describes an action that is fully finished; the infinitive after proceed names the new action that follows. This sense contrasts with sense 1 (CONTINUE AS PLANNED), where the same activity continues — here a different activity begins.
Common Mistakes
3. to travel or go in a physical direction, advancing along a route or toward a par
to travel or go in a physical direction, advancing along a route or toward a particular place, especially in official or structured settings.
The soldiers were ordered to proceed north toward the river crossing at dawn.
proceed + direction adverb + toward [destination]
Passengers travelling to Tokyo should proceed to gate 23 for final boarding.
proceed to + location (airport / gate / counter)
Astrid proceeded slowly along the narrow mountain path, carrying a heavy backpack.
The parade proceeded down the main street as children waved flags from both sides.
proceed down [street / road / path]
- proceed to (a place: gate / counter / lobby / exit)
- proceed toward / along / down / up
- proceed north / south / east / west / forward / onward
- proceed through / across
- advance
more formal; implies purposeful forward movement
- move forward
neutral register; more common in everyday speech
- make one's way
descriptive; suggests effort or careful movement
Grammar Patterns
proceed + direction / location phrase
Usage Note
Typically used in formal or official contexts such as airport announcements, military commands, procession descriptions, and travel directions. A direction, destination, or route phrase normally follows. Distinguish from sense 1 (CONTINUE AS PLANNED) — sense 3 describes physical movement from one place to another, not the continuation of an activity.
Common Mistakes
proceed against
phrasal verbTo start or continue a legal case against someone.
The company decided to proceed against the former employee for stealing secrets.
Did the police proceed against the suspect for the robbery?
proceed from
phrasal verbTo come from or be caused by something.
His fear of heights proceeds from a childhood accident.
The argument proceeded from a misunderstanding between the two friends.
proceed to
phrasal verbTo go on to do something after finishing something else.
After the introduction, the speaker proceeded to explain the main topic.
Maya finished her homework and proceeded to help her brother with his.